This is the most common stick-holding technique used today. The matched grip developed as alternate ways of drumming appeared. Early rock en’ roll drummers started using the same grip for both hands because they didn’t have the constraints of the drum’s position to contend with. Also, drum corps drummers started holding the snare drum in front of them with support at the waist. The drum no longer hung to the side, making the matched grip possible.

You hold both sticks the same way in the matched grip. Hold the stick between your thumb and index finger at the last knuckle joint of your finger, about a quarter of the way from the back end of the stick. The rest of the fingers curl around the stick and lightly hold it in place. The stick pivots from your index finger-thumb point while the fingers control the movement from beneath. Move the stick straight up and down to make the stick stroke.